HTC ThunderBolt

Verizon Wireless today announced that it is finally delivering the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update to the HTC Thunderbolt. The system update will be pushed in phases beginning today, February 5. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich adds the Holo theme and includes many new features, such as face unlock, lock screen notifications, homescreen folders, and new multitasking functions. The update also installs HTC Sense 3.6. It can be downloaded and installed over the air.

HTC recently took to its Facebook page to reiterate that Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich updates are still in the works for a number of its devices. HTC was responding to customer complaints, as HTC has missed delivering ICS updates on time to several devices, such as the Rhyme, which was supposed to get ICS in June/July. Other devices slated to receive ICS include the Desire S, Droid Incredible 2, and Thunderbolt. HTC said the updates will be delivered by the end of August.

HTC today published in a blog post a list of 16 smartphones that will be updated to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The devices include the Amaze 4G, Desire S, Desire HD, EVO 3D, EVO Design 4G, Incredible S, Sensation, Sensation XL, Sensation 4G, Sensation XE, Raider, Rezound, Rhyme, Thunderbolt, and Vivid. HTC said that it is still in the early stages of rolling out Android 4.0 to the Sensation and Sensation XE. The next phones in line for Android 4.0 updates are the Sensation 4G and the Sensation XL. HTC cautions that wireless network operators play a role in the update process, so it can't lock down firm timelines with respect to the exact availability of updates.

HTC today announced via its Facebook page a new round of Android smartphones that will be updated to Ice Cream Sandwich. Those devices include the Rhyme, Thunderbolt, and Droid Incredible 2, which are (or were) sold by Verizon Wireless. HTC did not say when the updates would be delivered.

HTC is in the process of sending out software updates to some of its smartphones to address a security issue concerning the Wi-Fi radio. The problem revolves around applications with the "access_wifi_state" permission, and the ability to sniff out Wi-Fi passwords for networks to which the phone is connected. The affected handsets include the Desire HD, myTouch 4G, Desire S, Sensation, EVO 3D, Droid Incredible, and Thunderbolt. The update had already been distributed to some of the phones over the air, though HTC is working to make a manual update available to the last few. HTC suggests owners of the aforementioned phones check its support page the week of February 6 for more instructions.

Verizon Wireless has started to distribute the Android 2.3 Gingerbread update to the HTC Thunderbolt. Users will be notified when the update is ready, though it can also be triggered through the settings menu. The update is free.

HTC today announced via its Facebook page that it will be pushing out the Android 2.3 Gingerbread update to both the Droid Incredible and Thunderbolt in September. Both phones are sold by Verizon Wireless.

Skype has provided an update to its Android application that adds the video chatting feature to a large number of new Android handsets. Skype notes that Gingerbread is required to use the video chat feature, so owners of the following phones are encouraged to make sure their system is up to date. The new handsets are: the Acer A5; the HTC Desire, Thunderbolt, Sensation, EVO 4G, EVO 3D, Incredible S, Desire HD, Flyer; the LG Revolution; the Samsung Galaxy S, Galaxy S II, Droid Charge, Galaxy Tab; and the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, Xperia ray, and Xperia mini pro. The update is free to install.

Hulu recently updated its Android application making it compatibile with four more handsets. All four are made by HTC, and include the EVO 4G, Droid Thunderbolt, myTouch, and G2. The application is free to download, but Hulu Plus costs $7.99 per month.

Verizon Wireless has made a system software update available to the HTC Thunderbolt that resolves a significant number of bugs. According to the changelog published by Verizon, the update improves data connectivity, reduces the number of system crashes/reboots, improves Bluetooth discovery, improves the call history options, offers a tabbed main menu, and enables the people search function. It will also add a number of Verizon-branded V CAST applications. The update does not bring the Thunderbolt to Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and it disables the free mobile hotspot feature. The update is free. Users can follow the directions on Verizon's support site to access the update.

Verizon Wireless published details about a forthcoming software update for the HTC Thunderbolt. Though many of the improvements are minor, Verizon says that the update will improve the Thunderbolt's data connectivity with its 3G network. It will also improve GPS accuracy and the speed with which the GPS radio interacts with Google Maps and VZ Navigator for better real-time mapping updates. Other improvements include stabilized app performance, and better storage of SMS/MMS. Verizon has not yet scheduled the update for delivery.

We've discovered that Verizon is quietly pushing Qi wireless charging technology, by requiring manufacturers to include the technology in their LTE phones. Read on for photos and details of the first Qi products for Verizon.

Verizon Wireless today announced that the HTC Thunderbolt, its first Long Term Evolution 4G handset, will be available starting March 17. It will cost $249.99 with a new two-year agreement. The Thunderbolt runs Android 2.2 with the latest version of HTC's Sense user interface on board. It has a 4.3-inch screen, 1 GHz processor, 8-megapixel main camera, front camera, mobile hotspot for up to 8 devices, and DLNA. Verizon is requiring a minimum $39.99 voice plan and an unlimited 4G $29.99 data plan. Verizon Wireless will offer the mobile hotspot feature for free until May 15, after which, customers may re-activate it for an addition $20 per month (for 2GB of hotspot data).